Chapter 121

Lu Jianguo continued, “Let’s not talk about anything else. Just the fact that Weiguo, despite being away for so long, still knows Xiao Zhen’s size shows their thoughtfulness. You shouldn’t have said what you did.”

Qin Ping opened her mouth, wanting to say she hadn’t thought much about it at the time.

But deep down, a voice told her that wasn’t true. Given her usually cautious nature, she wouldn’t have said those words, yet she did.

Lu Jianguo sighed, “Look at Weiguo and his wife. They didn’t just buy things for Xiao Zhen; they got items for both you and me too. And then look at your family…”

Even without Lu Jianguo saying the rest, Qin Ping understood.

Her parents believed in the saying that a married daughter is like spilled water. After receiving a substantial dowry, they rarely contacted her.

Of course, they hadn’t cut ties completely; they still visited during holidays and festivals.

They accepted everything she brought home, but never asked if she didn’t. However, if she didn’t provide what was expected during holidays, her family would definitely not stay silent.

But when it came to giving her anything, they never did.

She remembered once, on the second day of the new year, in the bitter cold, she took Xiao Zhen to visit her family. Xiao Zhen bowed to her parents and brothers to wish them a happy new year but didn’t receive any new year’s money.

She wasn’t there for the money, just for the gesture, especially since she had given new year’s money to her brother’s child.

That time, she was truly heartbroken, feeling like an outsider in her own family. Her parents really adhered to the belief that a daughter married off is no longer part of the family.

Knowing she couldn’t rely on her own family, she valued her status in her in-laws’ family even more.

Seeing his wife silent for a long time, Lu Jianguo said seriously, “I married you with the intention of spending my life with you. My parents are easy to get along with, and Weiguo is doing well. Today, you saw that our sister-in-law is also good. As long as you don’t stir up trouble, our life will be smooth.”

Qin Ping, feeling somewhat ashamed, said softly, “I understand.”

Lu Jianguo added, “You used to say that our sister-in-law’s family were intellectuals and had returned from abroad. But did you see any sign of them looking down on our parents or us?”

Seeing his wife remain silent, he patted her hand and said, “You see, our sister-in-law is easy to get along with, contrary to what you initially thought. So, just relax.”

This time, Qin Ping finally managed a small smile.

The unease she felt due to the arrival of the new family member diminished significantly.

Meanwhile, Shi Tingyu and Lu Weiguo got ready for bed.

The stove was on, the hot water bottle was filled, and with Lu Weiguo as a human heater, Shi Tingyu didn’t feel cold at all.

However, the stove did have a bit of a smell, which she didn’t like.

To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, they had to leave the door and windows slightly open, making it almost as if they didn’t need the stove at all.

In the end, Lu Weiguo took the stove back to the main room.

The new cotton quilt was very warm, so they didn’t feel cold without the stove.

Even though she had slept for an hour or two, Shi Tingyu still snuggled into Lu Weiguo’s arms and fell asleep.

She had originally planned to get up and make breakfast for Lu’s parents, but ended up sleeping longer.

When she woke up, Lu’s parents had already gone to work.

There was porridge and fried cakes in the pot, which Lu’s mother had left for them.

Shi Tingyu felt a bit frustrated.

Lu Weiguo comforted her, “My mom usually doesn’t let the younger generation cook.”

Lu’s mother had a strong personality and managed everything at home, especially the kitchen, which was her domain. He had tried to cook once but got a good scolding.

He still remembered what his mother said then.

“You? Cook? Don’t waste the food.”

“I’ve lived a long life and don’t want to risk it now.”

He wanted to say that no matter how bad he was at cooking, it wouldn’t be so bad as to poison someone.

Shi Tingyu laughed heartily, “Then save your cooking skills for me.”

With Lu Weiguo’s reassurance, Shi Tingyu no longer insisted on cooking for Lu’s parents.

She was actually eager to visit her parents in Qianxi Brigade but, having just arrived at her in-laws’ and considering that Weiguo had been separated from his parents for a long time, she couldn’t selfishly ask to go back right away.

Lu Weiguo understood her thoughts and said gently, “It’s alright. I’ll take you back home tomorrow.”

Shi Tingyu shook her head. “No need, I can wait.”

Lu Weiguo looked at her with a slight lift in his voice, “How about we make a bet?”

“Bet on what?” Shi Tingyu asked, puzzled.

“Let’s bet on whether my parents will let us go back home tomorrow,” Lu Weiguo suggested.

Shi Tingyu looked at him skeptically.

“Just tell me if you want to bet or not,” Lu Weiguo urged.

“Alright, I’ll bet,” Shi Tingyu agreed.

Seeing the confidence in Lu Weiguo’s eyes, Shi Tingyu suddenly remembered they hadn’t decided on the stakes. “What’s the bet?”

Lu Weiguo’s eyes gleamed as he whispered something in her ear.

Shi Tingyu glared at him, thinking, This cheeky man, always playful.

That evening, Lu’s mother came home early to cook for her younger son and daughter-in-law.

With the New Year approaching, many people were leaving work early, so it was within the rules.

When she arrived home, her daughter-in-law was chopping vegetables, and Lu Weiguo was peeling potatoes with a broken piece of porcelain.

As soon as she entered, she took over the kitchen, fulfilling Lu Weiguo’s earlier claim that the kitchen was her battlefield.

When dinner was ready, Lu’s father came home, and the family gathered around the table to eat. Shi Tingyu didn’t hear Lu’s parents mention anything about going back home the next day.

She glanced at Lu Weiguo, who seemed completely unperturbed, his expression calm.

After they finished eating, Lu’s mother put down her chopsticks and said, “Xiao Yu, I know you’re worried about your parents. Let Weiguo take you back to visit them tomorrow.”

Shi Tingyu’s eyes lit up, and Lu Weiguo raised his eyebrows slightly in triumph.

He had won this time.

Shi Tingyu looked at Lu’s mother and said, “Why don’t we stay with you for a few more days?”

Lu’s mother smiled, “We have plenty of time in the future. Your parents are in a different situation, and it’s natural for you to worry about them. We haven’t had a break yet, and you’ll have nothing to do at home during the day. It’s better to visit your parents and set your mind at ease.”

Had it not been for their long train journey, she would have suggested this in the morning.

Thinking from their perspective, if her own parents were relocated, she’d be anxious too.

Shi Tingyu was touched, realizing not everyone would have a mother-in-law as understanding as hers.

Her son and his family were definitely thinking about it. According to the time calculation, she and her parents had not seen each other for only half a year. But Lu Weiguo was different. The time between him and his parents was much longer than hers.

While the bet involved something playful in bed, Lu Weiguo knew they’d be returning home the next day and guessed his wife had a lot on her mind. So, he simply held her in his arms and they fell into a deep sleep.